Path Dependency and Future Adaptation of Coastal Cities: Examples From the Asia-Pacific

The need for Asia-Pacific coastal cities to adapt effectively and sustainably accelerating (relative) sea-level rise is growing. If such adaptation does not occur in a timely manner, then it could result socio-economic problems that will reverberate throughout the region. Using examples of are characterised by contrasting geographical settings cultural contexts, this study argues main barrier path dependency. In sense, dependency legacy past decisions have been influenced topography, economic goals, cultural-political characteristics key decision-making groups. These dependencies manifest as various preferences, which date dominated hard engineering solutions. an era climate change there now seek alternatives in-situ urban growth. This paper understanding city’s optimizing effectiveness future adaptation.